Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane: An Overview of its Features, Structure and Safety Handling

A rubber tyred gantry crane (RTGC) is a machine that is commonly used to stack, move, load and unload containers at a stockyard. It is mobile and has been designed with advanced functions to enhance it productivity and how well it can maneuver an uneven ground. Its source of power is mostly from diesel generator although there are electric rubber tyred gantry cranes available.

Rubber tyred gantry cranes(grua rtg) are popular for their high stacking density and use their rubber tyres to transship containers. The machine is fitted with numerous hoking points to allow it to function by lifting loads in different situations. It is flexible in a manner that allows the whole crane to be steered up to 360°.

Double Girder Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane
Double Girder Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane

A Rubber tyred gantry crane has the following features:

• It is flexible which gives it a high level of autonomy that allows it to adapt to your desired purposes easily and efficiently.
• It is reliable with minimal maintenance needs. This is due to its structural stability that makes it robust and durable throughout its life cycle.
• It has specialized spreaders that allow it to lift containers(grúa pórtico para contenedores) of different sizes as well as hydraulic storage tanks.
• It has the ability to handle your loads precisely due to its travelling and lifting speed. It is easy to maintain owing to its 3 in 1 reducer trolley and crane moving mechanism.
• Rubber tyred gantry cranes come with different operation modes for example straight movement, oblique movement, lateral movement up to 90°etc.
• It comes in different specifications to suit the different working conditions. It is possible to design balance beams that suit your lifting needs.

Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane Structure:

1. The Rubber tyred gantry crane has a main metal structure that is comprised of the following parts:

• Main beam: This is a box shaped structure which bears the force of the crane and forms a place where a trolley track is supposed to be laid.
• Support legs: These are box shaped variable connected by rods. They ensure that the size between the two main beams is right for lateral rigidity.
• Bottom beam: This is connected to the crane running mechanism.
• Trolley frame: This is a beam structure that has walkways to create room for pulley and other crane parts maintenance.

Single Girder Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane
Single Girder Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane

2. A rubber tyred gantry crane running mechanism comprises of the following parts:
• Wheel set: This is made up of tires, rims and wheel axles. It also has two bearing seats.
• Transmission mechanism: This uses vertical motor and has a driving part fitted with a device that adjusts tension on the transmission chain.
• Frame: This joins with the balance beam by being connected to a rotating shaft.
• Safety protection: This consists of anti-collision switches and features that allows the tyres to withstand strong winds.

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3. A rubber tyred gantry crane trolley running mechanism which has the following features:

• Wheel drive: The wheels work through friction and 4-wheel feature prevents the trolley from slipping.
• Rack drive: All racks are welded onto the girder through spaces to allow the rack to rotate reliably without slipping.
• Anchoring device: This is for anchoring the trolley when the crane is not in use.

4. A rubber tyred gantry crane lifting mechanism of Aicrane has the following arrangements:
• Parallel arrangement: This is whereby a motor base is raised and the reducer is placed obliquely to prevent the motor base from having a collision with the wire rope.
• Vertical arrangement: This is whereby the reducer usually has a spiral umbrella and is compact.

Safety When Operating a Rubber Tyred Gantry Crane

Just like when using all other types of cranes, it is important to ensure your safety and that of those around you. Be sure there are no obstacles around the crane and wear personal protective equipment like a helmet. Before using the rubber tyred gantry crane inspect the engines of the crane perform a no-load test to be sure the working mechanisms of the equipment are normal.